Week Six reading 1

Wikis and Podcasts and Blogs! Oh, My!

I really like how the author understands that the first step in assisting an instructor with tech integration is to evaluate his teaching practices. I have found that a barrier for a lot of teachers to using technology is a fear that they will have to change their style which is the equivalent of changing ones personality. What is needed are technologies that compliment and enhance the practices and personality of a given instructor. teachers would be a lot more likely to adopt a technology that compliments their style while bringing tangible results.

On the same note the author suggests surveying students to see what sorts of technology work for them and at what level. Different age groups have different preferences. You need to also look at the value of the technology in reaching the overall goals and curriculum. Do the tools have a pedagogical value? So, this article agrees with the TPACK model for technology integration.

So, for future success with tech integration we need to have a complete understanding of all the parties involved and about all that needs to be accomplished in the particular class.